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When did you realize you were really in labor?
Ahead of Oct 4th induction due to inter-uterine growth restriction (iugr) issues, I went into natural labor. My water started leaking 3 AM on September 30th. I labored at home for 15 hours before heading to the hospital. When I checked in, I was 9 cm and 90% effaced, however coming to the hospital made labor progress slower due to disturbing environment and extreme exhaustion from active labor management pain.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
At first, the most challenging thing about going natural was first gaining trust in the doctor to respect the birth plan wishes. However, once I found out I would need to be induced, the focus diverted to whether I'll be able to avoid epidural while being given pitocin and forced into artificial labor.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did was to educate myself and prepare for natural labor pain management. In order to achieve that, I took Bradley classes, but most importantly I had the support by my husband and labor coach. He was equally educated and involved in the planning and learning and thus he was able to support me actively. Additionally, I hired a very experienced doula who advocated for me every step of the way since my doctor turned out to be an inpatient and intervention-inclined person.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was extremely surprised of how much the doctor can change the game plan! I know that the patient is the 'king' and can consent or deny procedures, but if your doctor is 'conservative' in the sense of interventions needed as a precaution, you can lose all you worked hard for. Thankfully, my husband and doula stopped her from doing interventions like forceps/vacuum, but they were not successful in diverting her language to positive talk. That's why it is very important to pick a doctor with aligning philosophies, but also to be able to read between the lines to recognize when your doctor potentially says she is on board, but ends up being completely on the opposite side. I wish I trusted my instinct and did something to change doctors when I received red flags about her labor and delivery practice.
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Make sure you have a doctor or midwife that truly supports you in going natural and believes in the process of spontaneous labor and delivery. Be aware that your doctor or midwife may agree to your birth plan, but their 'conservatism' may kick in once things go little off the normal charts.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Bradley method relaxation techniques and deep 'om' vocalizations during contractions.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Unfortunately, I was not allowed to deliver in any other position but lying on my back. Discuss this with your doctor ahead of time if you would like to potentially avoid tears and other issues.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
The baby wasn't given to me immediately due to suspected meconium. During those moments the feelings of fear and panic are pretty strong, however once the baby was on my chest, everything was magical. There was no pain or person that can disturb my focus from looking at his eyes!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Make sure you have a doctor or midwife that truly supports you in going natural and believes in the process of spontaneous labor and delivery. Be aware that your doctor or midwife may agree to your birth plan, but their 'conservatism' may kick in once things go little off the normal charts.
